Modem performance of the new Spreadtrum SC9853i CPU explored

We have already talked quite a lot about the new Spreadtrum SC9853i processor and it’s clear, that in terms of sheer power it will slot in the lower midrange segment just fine. And the first phone using it will be the Leagoo T5c model. But there is an aspect of its performance that has higher aims and today we will explore it a bit.

Based on Intel’s 14nm FinFET process technology, SC9853I features 1.8GHz 64-bit octa-core Intel Airmont microarchitecture and Mali-T820 MP2 GPU. As for its modem, SC9853I supports LTE (Long-Term Evolution) Cat-7 downlink and Cat-13 uplink for 5-mode communication standard (TD-LTE/FDD-LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA/GSM), which can reach downlink speeds of 300Mbps and uplink speeds of up to 150Mpbs to achieve a true 4G+ on-line surfing experience.

The modem looks pretty powerful and we have for you a comparison analysis against the competition featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, Huawei Kirin 970 and MTK Helio P23. Disregard the differences in computing and graphical power, this comparison is focusing only the modem performance with dowload speed and voice calling performance. Tests were done with downloading 800+ GB files and maing 3000+ minutes voice call so plenty of research data indeed.

1.Download speed

In the working area (office and conference rooms), Spreadtrum SC9853I’s download speed is the highest, even superior than Kirin 970 and Snapdragon 835.

In the shopping area, SC9853I’s download speed is generally superior than Helio P23 and in some occasions even higher than Kirin 970 and snapdragon 835.

In low-speed driving, SC9853I’s download speed is close to Kirin 970 and Snapdragon 835; in high- speed driving, SC9853I’s download speed is higher than the other three SoCs.

Overall, the average download speed of SC9853I is as good as other flagship SoCs.

In the working area, SC9853I’s average voice calling performance is higher than the other SoCs.

In high-speed driving, the average voice calling performance of SC9853I is better than Snapdragon 835 and Helio P23 by a long shot, equivalent to Kirin 970. The HD voice percentage for SC9853I, however, has room for improvement.

In low-speed driving, SC9853I’s average performance is similar to Helio P23, lower than Kirin 970 but superior than Snapdragon 835. Meanwhile, SC9853I’s HD voice percentage is lower than Helio P23 and Kirin 970 but superior than Snapdragon 835.

In conclusion, SC9853I’s performance is good enough to match a flagship SoC in terms of modem performance. Sources show that SC9853I has adopted the latest V2 architecture and made full-scale optimizations on radio frequency and baseband algorithms, which greatly improve its mobile communication performance no matter you are working, shopping or driving.

LEAGOO T5c full specs:

Display: 5.5 inch SHARP FHD IPS

CPU: Spreadtrum SC9853I 1.8Ghz , Intel X86 core, 64bit

RAM: 3GB

ROM: 32GB

Rear Camera: Samsung 13.0 + OV 2.0 dual-cam

Front Camera: OV 5.0 MP

Battery: LG 3050mAH with 5V2A quick charge

Fingerprint: 360°rear front-mounted fingerprint ID

Retail Price: $129.99

Presale offers for the Leagoo T5c with the new Spreadtrum CPU are even better and you can find it on Gearbest from December 4th to December 10th for just $99.99.